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Engine basics => Engine set up tips => Topic started by: Annette Elmore on September 21, 2006, 03:10:17 PM

Title: Cleaning ballrace motors.
Post by: Annette Elmore on September 21, 2006, 03:10:17 PM

I've heard that the crockpot/antifreeze method is not kind to ballraces - what do you suggest instead - carb cleaner?

I've freed up some stuck bearings with soak in turpentine before.

Tony

Title: Re: Cleaning ballrace motors.
Post by: James Lee on September 22, 2006, 02:49:18 PM

I've not had a problem with the crockpot and BB motors...
I wonder if the problem is that the crud in the bearing is not thoroughly flushed after the bath?  the hot bath will allow for dissassembly so that the motor can be properly cleaned.
just an opinion  :)
Jim

Title: Re: Cleaning ballrace motors.
Post by: Annette Elmore on September 23, 2006, 03:15:10 AM

I must admit I've re-read the post that this was said on and it specified that 'cleaning ballrace motors with EXHAUSTED antifreeze can cause problems'....

So I'll go ahead - although buying antifreeze seems a problem at the moment - nowhere seems to stock it as it's only just the end of the summer...

Tony

Title: Re: Cleaning ballrace motors.
Post by: Annette Elmore on September 23, 2006, 05:04:11 AM

Well I now have some antifreeze - I will try it out on a few of my junker motors first to see if it has no untoward effects.

Tony

Title: Re: Cleaning ballrace motors.
Post by: Harry Rice on September 23, 2006, 09:46:02 AM

There should be no chemical effects using antifreeze - if the races have plastic ball cages they are likely to be nylon which has excellent chemical resistance to antifreeze. Painted engines will be a problem though.

What are you trying to clean off - oil residue/carbon/general crud?

As said, actually getting loosened particles out of the races will be the biggest problem - it does not take much to cause failure. Personally, I would replace them anyway.

Rgds


Harry

Title: Re: Cleaning ballrace motors.
Post by: Annette Elmore on September 24, 2006, 04:22:04 PM

I'm pretty pleased with the results so far - some silencers/backplates and a junker Flash 35 that I paid a fiver for,

What about the fibre washers on early OS Max 1/2/3's - will the antifreeze destroy them?

Tony

Title: Re: Cleaning ballrace motors.
Post by: Harry Rice on September 24, 2006, 04:47:10 PM

Tony,

Berfore you immerse them, see reply re Enya 35V's Any use?

Cheers

Harry

Title: Re: Cleaning ballrace motors.
Post by: Annette Elmore on October 01, 2006, 01:11:49 AM

Yes ballrace Enya's are in the same ballpark as other Enya's very good long lasting sport motors - a tad heavy - but the BR versions are not much heavier than the PB versions.

Thanks for the sprays - will try them out.

If you've not seen it here is my c/l website:

http://www.the.elmores.btinternet.co.uk/telmore.html

The antifreeze/crockpot worked a treat.

Tony